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artbookshelfodyssey's review
5.0
A really fantastic story, one that hits close to home. My grandma was a WWII Army nurse, and she served in the Philippines in 1945. A few years sooner and she could have been one of the captured ones!
A great story of true heroes. Well worth the time to read.
A great story of true heroes. Well worth the time to read.
book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
Subtitle: The Untold Story of American Nurses Trapped on Bataan by the Japanese
Norman details the personal stories of the nurses and civilians as well as the historical events that led to their interment. These women had signed on for an “exotic” duty station in the tropics. When they applied for transfers to the Philippines they expected – and got - clean, spacious housing units, interesting work in military hospitals, and a lively social life of dances, sports events, concerts, etc, They were treating some wounds – mostly incurred in vehicular or training accidents – but mostly handled the sorts of things that civilian hospitals manage – hernias, appendicitis, infections, as well as maternity and pediatric issues of the military members’ dependents.
Then the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the American military bases in the Philippines and suddenly the medical staffs were consumed with combat wounds. They were cut off from regular supply channels and had to move to increasingly primitive “hospitals.” At one point the wards of wounded were nothing more than hundreds of bamboo beds and pallets arrayed in the open jungle. And the medical staff added tropical diseases and malnutrition to the problems they addressed (and that they, themselves, suffered).
When the US surrendered Bataan and then Corregidor to the Japanese, the women were interred in a camp at the former Santo Tomas University campus in Manila. They spent three years there until finally rescued by the American forces.
But their ordeal was far from over. Brought back to the US as heroes, they were nevertheless slighted when it came to military decorations and honors. And they all suffered continued health problems throughout their lives as a result of their experiences. History all but forgot all about them.
Norman did extensive research and was able to interview a number of the surviving nurses as well as the families of others who had passed on. Their story is gripping and inspiring. Brava!
Norman details the personal stories of the nurses and civilians as well as the historical events that led to their interment. These women had signed on for an “exotic” duty station in the tropics. When they applied for transfers to the Philippines they expected – and got - clean, spacious housing units, interesting work in military hospitals, and a lively social life of dances, sports events, concerts, etc, They were treating some wounds – mostly incurred in vehicular or training accidents – but mostly handled the sorts of things that civilian hospitals manage – hernias, appendicitis, infections, as well as maternity and pediatric issues of the military members’ dependents.
Then the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the American military bases in the Philippines and suddenly the medical staffs were consumed with combat wounds. They were cut off from regular supply channels and had to move to increasingly primitive “hospitals.” At one point the wards of wounded were nothing more than hundreds of bamboo beds and pallets arrayed in the open jungle. And the medical staff added tropical diseases and malnutrition to the problems they addressed (and that they, themselves, suffered).
When the US surrendered Bataan and then Corregidor to the Japanese, the women were interred in a camp at the former Santo Tomas University campus in Manila. They spent three years there until finally rescued by the American forces.
But their ordeal was far from over. Brought back to the US as heroes, they were nevertheless slighted when it came to military decorations and honors. And they all suffered continued health problems throughout their lives as a result of their experiences. History all but forgot all about them.
Norman did extensive research and was able to interview a number of the surviving nurses as well as the families of others who had passed on. Their story is gripping and inspiring. Brava!
roseleaf24's review
3.0
This is an important story, about the women who were nurses in the Philippines in World War II and ended up in captivity for three years. They survived so much and were so dedicated; their story deserves to be told.
This is accessibly written nonfiction, but it is not narrative. The events and details are reported. I found the first half of the book, about the fall of the US forces in the Philippines, much slower and more difficult to read than the last half, about their captivity and return home.
This is accessibly written nonfiction, but it is not narrative. The events and details are reported. I found the first half of the book, about the fall of the US forces in the Philippines, much slower and more difficult to read than the last half, about their captivity and return home.
cathyatratedreads's review
4.0
Read this book for book club and was fascinated. We hear so much about the men on the Death March, but this gave it some extra depth and insight from a different group. Interesting.
wdudley89's review
4.0
A perfect book for military veterans in the medical profession with an interest in history. And, my father is the infant whose life is saved on pages 7-8.
reneesmith's review
5.0
Loved this book! Detailed & moving.
Sections I want to remember:
From a military leader: “You may talk all you want of the pioneer women who went across the plains of early America and helped found our great nation.… But never forget the American girls who fought on Bataan and later on Corregidor.… Theirs had been a life of conveniences and even luxury. But their hearts were the same hearts as those of the women of early America. Their names must always be hallowed when we speak of American heroes. The memory of their coming ashore on Corregidor that early morning of April 9, dirty, disheveled, some of them wounded from the hospital bombings—and every last one of them with her chin up in the air—is a memory that can never be erased.”
From a surgeon: “One of the most remarkable things coming out of our experience in Bataan was the presence and performance of the army nurses. In retrospect I believe that they were the greatest morale boost present in that unhappy little area of jungle called Bataan. I was continually amazed that anyone living and working under such primitive conditions could remain as calm, pleasant, efficient and impeccably neat and clean as those remarkable nurses.”
From Dorothea Mae Daley’s JOURNAL: “And on February 19, I, Dorothea Mae Daley, took Emanuel Engel Jr., to be my wedded husband, for better, for worse, in sickness or in health, till death do us part. Everybody in the wedding party, including the bride, was in khaki . . . There was no ring, no license, no bouquet, no veil, no Mass . . . Sounds of bombs were in the distance, and my feet, encased in huge army boots, felt awkward as I stood in an army hospital . . . But there was a solemnity and a sacredness about the ceremony, performed in the midst of so much tragedy, that made us both feel that ours was no ordinary marriage.”
Their uniforms were too large and they were tired and nervous (“ every girl wore a tremulous, red-lipped smile” was how the Associated Press described their demeanor) but they were glad to be home—oh, how they were glad to be home! And as they emerged into the bright California sun, a band played Sousa marches, and the crowd of 1,500 that had gathered to watch them started to applaud and cheer. In this group awaiting the nurses were Generals, Colonels, high-ranking civilians, including Mayor Lapham of San Francisco. Not one dry eye could be seen. Tears were streaming down cheeks of even the toughest old Army men.
THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMY NURSE CORPS BEING REPATRIATED FROM THE PHILIPPINES ON 23 FEBRUARY 1945: It gives me special pleasure to welcome you back to your native shores, and to express, on behalf of the people of the United States, the joy we feel at your deliverance from the hands of the enemy. It is a source of profound satisfaction that our efforts to accomplish your return have been successful. You have served valiantly in foreign lands and have suffered greatly. As your Commander in Chief, I take pride in your past accomplishments and express the thanks of a grateful Nation for your services in combat and your steadfastness while a prisoner of war. May God grant each of you happiness and an early return to health. Franklin D. Roosevelt
Still, the Times seemed much closer to the mark than most when it also said: No one has suggested that the sixty-eight … were unique among members of the Army Nurse Corps. It was the tragic experience, bringing out high qualities of heroism and unselfishness, that was exceptional. The recognition they have received is more than a recognition of them as individuals. It is a tribute to the spirit of their Corps, to feminine tenderness joined with skill and courage.
Sections I want to remember:
From a military leader: “You may talk all you want of the pioneer women who went across the plains of early America and helped found our great nation.… But never forget the American girls who fought on Bataan and later on Corregidor.… Theirs had been a life of conveniences and even luxury. But their hearts were the same hearts as those of the women of early America. Their names must always be hallowed when we speak of American heroes. The memory of their coming ashore on Corregidor that early morning of April 9, dirty, disheveled, some of them wounded from the hospital bombings—and every last one of them with her chin up in the air—is a memory that can never be erased.”
From a surgeon: “One of the most remarkable things coming out of our experience in Bataan was the presence and performance of the army nurses. In retrospect I believe that they were the greatest morale boost present in that unhappy little area of jungle called Bataan. I was continually amazed that anyone living and working under such primitive conditions could remain as calm, pleasant, efficient and impeccably neat and clean as those remarkable nurses.”
From Dorothea Mae Daley’s JOURNAL: “And on February 19, I, Dorothea Mae Daley, took Emanuel Engel Jr., to be my wedded husband, for better, for worse, in sickness or in health, till death do us part. Everybody in the wedding party, including the bride, was in khaki . . . There was no ring, no license, no bouquet, no veil, no Mass . . . Sounds of bombs were in the distance, and my feet, encased in huge army boots, felt awkward as I stood in an army hospital . . . But there was a solemnity and a sacredness about the ceremony, performed in the midst of so much tragedy, that made us both feel that ours was no ordinary marriage.”
Their uniforms were too large and they were tired and nervous (“ every girl wore a tremulous, red-lipped smile” was how the Associated Press described their demeanor) but they were glad to be home—oh, how they were glad to be home! And as they emerged into the bright California sun, a band played Sousa marches, and the crowd of 1,500 that had gathered to watch them started to applaud and cheer. In this group awaiting the nurses were Generals, Colonels, high-ranking civilians, including Mayor Lapham of San Francisco. Not one dry eye could be seen. Tears were streaming down cheeks of even the toughest old Army men.
THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMY NURSE CORPS BEING REPATRIATED FROM THE PHILIPPINES ON 23 FEBRUARY 1945: It gives me special pleasure to welcome you back to your native shores, and to express, on behalf of the people of the United States, the joy we feel at your deliverance from the hands of the enemy. It is a source of profound satisfaction that our efforts to accomplish your return have been successful. You have served valiantly in foreign lands and have suffered greatly. As your Commander in Chief, I take pride in your past accomplishments and express the thanks of a grateful Nation for your services in combat and your steadfastness while a prisoner of war. May God grant each of you happiness and an early return to health. Franklin D. Roosevelt
Still, the Times seemed much closer to the mark than most when it also said: No one has suggested that the sixty-eight … were unique among members of the Army Nurse Corps. It was the tragic experience, bringing out high qualities of heroism and unselfishness, that was exceptional. The recognition they have received is more than a recognition of them as individuals. It is a tribute to the spirit of their Corps, to feminine tenderness joined with skill and courage.
nikkic66's review
3.0
The fact that this is based on historical accounts of real nurses who were imprisoned is incredible! Especially since many are no longer alive today--it's what little historical record we have from women involved in this part of the war. This was a great project for the author to work on.
As far as technique and writing--the organization is a bit messy and at times it may be difficult to realize which character's perspective is being looked at or where we are in the timeline (there is jumping around a bit time wise). Also, there are times when the tone changes so much. The author starts out being objective--like a historian collecting accounts of the war and internment then at several points, the author's voice changes so much that it seems like she positions herself as "one of the gals" or main characters of the story. Despite the technique, I loved learning about these women and what they endured.
As far as technique and writing--the organization is a bit messy and at times it may be difficult to realize which character's perspective is being looked at or where we are in the timeline (there is jumping around a bit time wise). Also, there are times when the tone changes so much. The author starts out being objective--like a historian collecting accounts of the war and internment then at several points, the author's voice changes so much that it seems like she positions herself as "one of the gals" or main characters of the story. Despite the technique, I loved learning about these women and what they endured.
sugarhollow5's review
4.0
One reason I enjoy being in a book group is that I read books I might not ever choose on my own. This is an amazing retelling of experiences of a group of brave and resilient nurses.